Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.36

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 930-X-1-.36 - Registered Animal Euthanasia facility (RAEF) For The Humane Euthanasia Of Animals

(1)STANDARD FOR INITIAL APPROVAL OF A RAEF:

(a) An approved RAEF must employ a CET. A CET shall be responsible for the security and use of euthanasia and chemical restraint drugs; the verification of animals for euthanasia; and the euthanasia procedures used by the RAEF. Any change in employment status by a CET must be reported in writing to the board within three (3) working days.

(b) A RAEF must demonstrate that the facility has a consulting veterinarian. Any change in the consulting veterinarian must be reported to the board in writing not to exceed three working days.

(c) A RAEF must pass a facility inspection by the Board. This inspection will include but not be limited to:

1. A DEA approved record system for controlled and non-controlled substances.

2. A DEA approved storage system for controlled and non-controlled substances.

3. An approved euthanasia area.

4. Sufficient supplies and equipment to perform euthanasia humanely.

(d) The RAEF must provide to the board, forms and information pamphlets used by the RAEF for animal surrender, animal adoption, euthanasia services and other pertinent activities of the RAEF.

(e) The RAEF must demonstrate to the board the proper animal identification procedures to insure euthanasia of the proper animal.

(f) The fee for initial certification of RAEF will be set at a cost of $300.

(2)PROCEDURE FOR INITIAL APPROVAL OF A RAEF:

(a) The Board will review the request for initial approval of the RAEF during its regular business meetings.

(b) Approved RAEF will receive a certificate which will expire on December 31 of each year. The certificate will be displayed on the wall of the reception area in clear view of the public of the RAEF.

(3)STANDARDS FOR THE EUTHANASIA AREA:

(a) Each facility shall have a specific area designated for euthanasia. That area:

1. shall be a separate room; or

2. an area that is physically separated from the rest of the facility by a wall, barrier or other divider; or

3. an area that is not used for any other purpose while animals are being euthanized.

4. shall provide a separate entrance to the euthanasia area for injured or contagious animals.

5. shall provide a safe, quiet environment in which to perform euthanasia.

6. shall provide adequate space for two persons to perform euthanasia.

(b) The following information shall be posted in the euthanasia area of a RAEF:

1. a dosage chart for each euthanasia solution or chemical restraint drug maintained.

2. response protocols for accidental exposure of humans to euthanasia or chemical restraint drugs maintained.

(c) The euthanasia area shall meet the following minimum standards:

1. Lighting shall be adequate and even to provide sufficient illumination to aid in maintaining good housekeeping practices, adequate inspection and identification of animals, and safe working conditions for personnel.

2. The air temperature shall be within reasonable comfortable range for both personnel and animals. A minimum of 64 degrees and a maximum of 84 degrees Fahrenheit are recommended.

3. The area shall have adequate ventilation that prevents accumulation of odors.

4. The area shall have holding cages available to hold an animal while waiting for the drug to take effect. These cages shall be clean and sanitized.

5. The floor of the area shall provide dry non-slip footing to prevent accidents.

6. Drains should be capped and sealed or able to be flushed and disinfected.

(d) The euthanasia area shall have the following equipment:

1. A table or other work area where animals can be handled safely when euthanasia is performed.

2. A cabinet, table, or work bench where the drug, needle, syringe and clippers can be placed. This surface shall be separate from the area where the animals are being handled.

3. A sink or faucet shall be available.

4. All equipment shall be in good working order.

5. All equipment shall be stored so that it does not create a safety hazard for the personnel.

(f) The following equipment shall be kept in the euthanasia area or shall be brought to the area each time euthanasia is performed:

1. A first aid kit which meets VOSHA standards.

2. One or more tourniquets.

3. Standard electric clippers with a number 40 blade or an equivalent blade.

4. Humane restraint devices for dogs and cats.

5. Stethoscope.

6. Towels, sponges and disinfectant.

7. Sharps disposal system which is ADEM approved.

(g) All drugs and other chemical agents used in the euthanasia area shall be clearly labeled.

(4) HANDLING OF EUTHANASIA AND CHEMICAL RESTRAINT DRUGS:

(a) Approved drugs.

1. Consideration has been made for the pharmacological action of the drugs; the ease of humane administration of the drugs; the animal species for which the drug can be used to perform euthanasia; and human safety issues relative to use of the drug. The following are approved lethal drugs for use as injectable euthanasia solutions:

(i) sodium pentobarbital

(ii) sodium pentobarbital with lidocaine

(iii) any other board approved drug

2. The following are approved chemical restraint drugs for use in the euthanasia process:

(i) xylazine

(ii) acetylpromazine

(iii) any other board approved drug

3. The following are approved orally administrated drugs for use in the euthanasia process:

(i) xylazine

(ii) acetylpromazine

(iii) any other board approved drug

4. The list of approved euthanasia and chemical restraint drugs will be reviewed by the board periodically as new drugs become available and updated as required. This list will:

(i) include the generic and the trade name of the drug.

(ii) indicate for record keeping purposes whether the drug is a controlled or non-controlled substance.

(iii) indicate the species for which the drug is approved and the approved route of administration.

(b) Storage of Euthanasia Solutions:

1. The CET shall be responsible for compliance with storage requirements for euthanasia solutions at the RAEF. Any violation of storage requirements should be immediately reported to the board.

2. Controlled substances shall be stored in accordance with current DEA regulations and any DEA or state regulations promulgated in the future.

(i) Inventories of controlled substances will be stored in a locked safe attached to a wall in the building and in a room other than the euthanasia room.

(c) Safes:

1. The safe shall be securely attached to the building in which it is housed.

2. If a controlled substance is stored in a safe that can be opened by employees other than the CET, the controlled substance shall be kept in a separate locked metal container within the safe. Access to this container shall be available only to the CET and the consulting veterinarian.

3. The environmental temperature of the safe or storage cabinet shall be adequate to ensure the proper maintenance of the drugs.

(d) Controlled substances for day use may be stored in a locked cabinet in the euthanasia room with non-controlled substances, syringes, the daily log and the record book. The controlled substance must be returned to the safe at the end of the business day or whenever the CET is not on duty. The key to the cabinet shall be available only to the CET or veterinarian on duty.

(e) Non-controlled substances may be stored in a locked cabinet in the euthanasia room or secured under lock in another room at the RAEF. Non-controlled substances may be kept with syringes, inventory records and daily logs.

(f) Sodium pentobarbital in powder form shall be reconstituted according to the manufacturer's instructions. Each container of sodium pentobarbital shall be labeled with the name and strength, the date the drug was received and prepared, a drug warning label and the name and address of the RAEF.

(g) The State Controlled Substance Registration and the DEA license are in the name of the Lead CET and not the RAEF. If a Lead CET ceases to be employed by a RAEF, the RAEF is no longer allowed to obtain euthanasia or chemical restraint drugs with said licenses, until another Lead CET is designated on the license.

(5)STANDARDS FOR NEEDLES AND SYRINGES:

(a) Needles - four (4) different needle sizes are required; 18, 20, 2 2 and 2 5 gauge. A RAEF may have other needle sizes according to its needs. Needles shall be of medical quality and shall not be used more than once. Proper ADEM Disposal System is required for the disposal of all sharps.

(b) Syringes - three (3) different syringe sizes are required; 3, 6 and 12 cc. A RAEF may have other syringe sizes according to its needs. Syringes shall be of medical quality and may be reused only for euthanasia after proper cleaning.

(c) The temporary storage cabinet shall be used to store all needles and syringes when not in use.

(6)CARCASS DISPOSAL

(a) All carcasses shall be disposed of in a manner according to law and the RAEF procedures.

(b) until the carcass can be disposed of it shall be kept in a freezer used only for this purpose.

(7)REAPPROVAL OF REGISTERED ANIMAL EUTHANASIA FACILITY:

(a) A RAEF may submit a request for reapproval to the board on or before December 31 of each year with the following information:

1. A list of CETs employed by the RAEF, their employment status (including part time, full time, hours on duty) and indicate which CET is responsible for all aspects of euthanasia at the RAEF.

2. The name and address of the consulting veterinarian and an indication of the veterinarian's consent to serve the RAEF as the consulting veterinarian.

(i) There may be an inspection prior to reapproval.

(ii) The Board may recommend the revocation or suspension of certification based upon investigation of complaints, an inspection revealing deficiencies that are not corrected, or any other violations of these rules.

(iii) Renewal of certification of a RAEF will be set at a cost of $200 and penalty for late renewal of certification will be set at $200.00.

(8)INSPECTION DEFICIENCIES REQUIRING IMMEDIATE CORRECTION: - If there are deficiencies with either a CET or a RAEF, the inspecting representative of the board shall document areas for correction on an inspection reporting form. The RAEF and CET shall make corrections within 3 0 days and the CET or a RAEF may be re-inspected or re-examined within that 30 days if the board deems appropriate. If the deficiencies have not been corrected the board may:

(a) deny certification or approval,

(b) revoke the certification of the CET and/or the RAEF as may be applicable.

(9)WHO MAY ADMINISTER EUTHANASIA AND CHEMICAL RESTRAINT DRUGS:

(a) No person shall administer euthanasia and/or chemical restraint drugs to an animal in a RAEF in Alabama unless that person is a licensed veterinarian, licensed veterinary technician or a CET.

(b) A person in training as a CET who is employed by a RAEF, may administer a lethal euthanasia or chemical restraint drug under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, licensed veterinary technician or a CET.

(c) In the event of an emergency which requires immediate euthanasia of an injured, diseased, or dangerous animal, a law enforcement officer, a veterinarian, a licensed veterinary technician or an agent or designee of a local animal control unit may humanely destroy the animal if the animal is deemed to be useless, suffering or imminently near death and cannot be cured or rendered fit for service as long as the officer has made a reasonable and concerted but unsuccessful effort to locate the owner or agent.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 930-X-1-.36

New Rule: Filed November 30, 2004; effective January 4, 2005. Amended: Filed November 28, 2012; effective January 2, 2013.

Author: Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-29-69 (Act 2004-523 being codified).